Menopause syndrome, especially anxiety and depression, affects the majority of women in America as they transition through this stage of life.  Health issues are so common at this time that “syndrome” has been dropped from the name, and “menopause” is a term uttered with dread and dismay for most ladies in America.  Read on to learn more about menopause anxiety and depression from the perspective of TCM.

Understanding Menopause through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Menopause, often referred to as the “Second Spring” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is a natural phase in a woman’s life marking the end of her reproductive years. Far from being a time of decline, it is viewed as an opportunity for renewal and transformation. However, many women experience challenges such as anxiety, depression, and brain fog during this period. Let’s explore these symptoms through the lens of TCM, using insights from renowned sources like “The Spark in the Machine,” Bob Flaws, and Honora Wolf.

The Kidneys and the Brain: The Spark in the Machine

In TCM, the Kidneys are considered the source of all vital energy (Qi) and essence (Jing) in the body. Dr. Daniel Keown, in “The Spark in the Machine,” explains the profound connection between the Kidneys and the brain. The peculiar Jing, stored in the Kidneys, is essential for brain function, affecting neurotransmitters and mental clarity. When the Kidney energy is depleted, it can lead to brain fog, depression, and anxiety.  This is more apparent during menopause.

Menopause: A Healthy Transition

Bob Flaws and Honora Wolf describe menopause as a time when a woman’s body naturally slows down the aging process. This phase should ideally be a happy, easy transition, allowing women to enter a new chapter of life with vitality and wisdom. However, due to modern lifestyle factors and stress, many women experience imbalances that make this period challenging.  This builds up over the course of our lives and menopause is a time when these imbalances are often revealed.

 

The Liver and Emotional Health

The Liver plays a crucial role in TCM, responsible for the smooth flow of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Liver becomes congested with toxins, metals, chemicals, or suppressed emotions, it can lead to stagnation, manifesting as depression. During menopause, these imbalances become even more apparent.  Detoxifying the Liver and ensuring its proper function is essential for emotional well-being during menopause.

The Heart and Imbalanced Emotions

Anxiety during menopause can often be traced back to the Heart in TCM, which governs the mind and emotions. Especially during menopausal syndrome, an imbalance in the Heart can lead to feelings of restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia. Understanding and addressing these imbalances through TCM can help restore emotional stability.

Self Help: The Role of Exercise

Exercise is a crucial component of maintaining health and balance during menopause, especially with anxiety and depression. Regular physical activity helps in regulating the flow of Qi and blood, supports the detoxification process of the Liver, and enhances the production of endorphins, which improve mood and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Incorporating activities such as Qigong, yoga, or even daily walks can significantly impact overall well-being.  Check out options like the Wisdom Qigong Wellness Retreat.

The Heart Sound Recorder: Identifying Nutritional Imbalances

At Longevity Wellness, we use the Heart Sound Recorder to identify correctable nutritional imbalances. This non-invasive tool helps pinpoint deficiencies that may contribute to symptoms like anxiety and depression, allowing for targeted nutritional support.

A Client’s Story: The Importance of Holistic Care

One of our clients, facing daily fatigue, was advised by her doctor to drink a substance known to erode teeth and containing artificial sweeteners linked to neurological disorders, cancer, and endocrine effects. This highlights the importance of holistic care and identifying root causes rather than masking symptoms with potentially harmful substances.

Call to Action

Are you struggling with menopause-related anxiety, depression, or fatigue? Dr. Cynthia Clark, Acupuncture Physician and Applied Clinical Nutritionist, can help you identify the root causes of these imbalances and reclaim your life. Book an initial appointment today to begin your journey towards optimal health.